Peter had sat silent all this time, but pondering, and yet, contrary to custom, keenly attentive to what was going on around him.
“Put not your trust in princes,” said he.
“Alas! what else have we to trust in?”
“Knowledge.”
“Well-a-day, father! your learning will not serve us here.”
“How know you that? Wit has been too strong for iron bars ere to-day.
“Ay, father; but nature is stronger than wit, and she is against us. Think of the height! No ladder in Holland might reach him.”
“I need no ladder; what I need is a gold crown.”
“Nay, I have money, for that matter. I have nine angels. Gerard gave them me to keep; but what do they avail? The burgomaster will not be bribed to let Gerard free.”
“What do they avail? Give me but one crown, and the young man shall sup with us this night.”